Pasta: Do's and Don'ts

Do's and Don'ts

Do use lots of water. The ideal amount is 4 to 6 qt. per lb. of pasta. This allows the pasta enough room to cook without sticking together.

Don't add oil. If you have enough water, you won't need to add oil to prevent sticking.

Do add salt for flavor but not too much; remember that your sauce will also add flavor.

Do stir pasta when you first add it to the water to prevent it from sticking together and to the bottom of the pot.

Don't throw noodles against the wall. Instead, use the cooking time on the package as a guide, then try a piece to see if it's the right texture. Italians like their pasta "al dente" (a little chewy), but you might like it softer.

Don't rinse cooked pasta; you'll rinse away the starch, which actually helps the sauce stick. Only rinse pasta if it will be used cold, as in a salad.